The Setmana Ciclista Volta Femenina de la Comunitat Valenciana came to an end today after three effective stages, following the cancellation of the third stage due to strong winds, delivering another solid overall performance from UAE Team ADQ.
Once again, Maeva Squiban was among the main protagonists. In the final stage from Sagunt to Valencia (117 km), the French rider claimed third place, sprinting among the five riders who went clear on the final climb. Stage victory went to Demi Vollering (FDJ-Suez), who also secured the overall win in the General Classification, ahead of Liane Lippert (Movistar Team).
In the sprint of the chasing group, Eleonora Gasparrini finished in ninth position.
Thanks to today’s result and her strong performances throughout the week, Maeva Squiban also secured second place in the General Classification, finishing 1’02” behind Vollering.
A very positive team effort once again for UAE Team ADQ, which showed great commitment and cohesion throughout the Spanish stage race. Alongside Squiban and Gasparrini, the team also fielded Dominika Włodarczyk, whose work on the climbs was crucial in support of the team leader, as well as Febe Jooris, Pauliena Rooijakkers, and Development Team riders Eilidh Shaw and Giada Silo, who gained valuable experience at this level of competition.
After the race, Maeva Squiban said: “It was a very challenging stage race, especially due to the wind conditions. In the first two days, we tried to stay safe, then we wanted to race hard, and that’s what we did today from the start. The goal was to defend second place in the overall standings, but also to fight for the stage win. I have to say that the team was fantastic, they worked hard to allow me to save as much energy as possible before the final climb. I was expecting an attack from Demi Vollering, but in the end she preferred to wait, so we took the initiative. I tried to attack and then I couldn’t respond to Demi’s counterattack, but with the help of two other athletes I managed to get back in and the five of us went on to fight for the victory in the sprint. It wasn’t perhaps my best sprint, but I think we can be very happy. Once again we proved that we are a very strong team and even though we didn’t win, we are very happy.”
(ph. Getty Sport)
